Sometimes a single photo of a bill circulates online and provokes more emotion than a whole day of sightseeing. At the Main Market, especially in high season and during fairs, there are cases of inflated prices or extra charges that can surprise you. This text exists so you know what to check before you pay, how to complain about irregularities and where to look for honest places - so that your walk around the Market remains a pleasant memory.
Every food and drink venue is required to make prices available before ordering - if a price is given by weight (for example per 100 g), that must be clearly stated. If the menu does not clearly state an additional "service" charge or the portion weight, ask for clarification before ordering.
A fiscal receipt is different from an informal waiter’s check - a fiscal receipt should clearly say "FISCAL RECEIPT" (or its local equivalent) and include the business details (name, address, tax ID or other register identifiers). If a waiter only gives you a paper check without fiscal details, ask for the fiscal receipt.
Inspectors and control authorities have repeatedly found irregularities in checked venues - from missing price lists, to using different ingredients than listed, to underweight portions. You have the right to complain about a gastronomic service if a dish does not match its description or the bill includes items you did not order.
Ask for the menu and read it calmly before ordering. If prices are shown in an unclear way (for example per 100 g), ask for the approximate portion weight and the total price for the whole dish.
Pay attention to any information about a service charge - if the venue adds a "service" fee, it should be described in the menu. If a waiter adds a tip or "service" without prior notice, you can refuse that item and ask for it to be removed from the bill.
Check that menu prices match the prices on the receipt before paying. If the bill includes an item you didn’t order, report it immediately to the manager.
If you doubt the portion size (for example the weight), demand an explanation or - if possible - ask for the portion to be weighed (you are allowed to request this in justified cases).
A fiscal receipt is proof of purchase that enables a complaint and records the transaction in the fiscal system. A waiter’s check may be only informational and makes claiming your rights much harder if the venue later claims nothing was sold. So always ask for a fiscal receipt.
If a waiter refuses to issue a fiscal receipt or explains it as an internal practice, report the matter to the Trade Inspection or the Tax Administration - lack of a receipt is a red flag. It is worth taking photos of the bill, the menu and the dish as evidence for a complaint.
When paying by card, watch the terminal and the amount before confirming. Make sure the payment is processed on the terminal in front of you, not somewhere out of sight.
At the Market and in the Cloth Hall you’ll find official shops and many souvenir stalls. Prices for magnets, figurines or scarves are often higher right next to attractions; compare offers at several places and bargain - but do it sensibly.
Be careful with sellers offering “special deals” on the street or at kiosks that don’t look like regular shops. Goods may be counterfeit or poor quality. If you want authentic handicrafts, look for stalls with certificates or buy at craft fairs and recommended galleries.
For small gifts (a magnet, a tote bag, a postcard) prices rarely justify drama - but if you see a huge price gap (for example x3–x5 compared to another shop), check elsewhere.
The Christmas market and other seasonal events attract crowds and many vendors. Food and souvenir prices at stalls are often higher than in regular shops; treat them as an atmospheric experience rather than a bargain-hunting opportunity.
If a stall looks temporary and does not issue receipts - think twice before buying more expensive items. Small purchases for enjoyment are fine - for bigger purchases, prefer established shops or markets with certified makers.
In season there are sometimes extra fees for events (entrance fees, surcharges for services) - check official organisers’ pages and price lists before entering.
1) Stay calm and do not pay for items you did not order - explain the situation to the staff and ask for the bill to be corrected.
2) Ask for a fiscal receipt and take photos of the menu and the bill. Photos are valuable evidence when filing a complaint.
3) If the venue refuses to correct the bill, ask for the company details (name, address) and note the name of the person serving you.
4) File a written or emailed complaint with the venue; if that fails, submit a report to the Regional Trade Inspection or the Tax Administration. Inspectors review complaints and may schedule checks.
5) In cases of blatant fraud you can also contact the city consumer advocate or the local police - especially when there is clear manipulation of weight, forged receipts or financial crimes.
Assuming everywhere is cheap simply because you are in Kraków. Popular spots include a price for location and atmosphere, not just the product.
Not reading the menu and ordering spontaneously without checking prices - always check prices and portion sizes. If you don’t understand a notation (for example price/100 g), ask for clarification.
Failing to ask for a receipt - this is the simplest way to lose proof for any later complaint. Always request a fiscal receipt.
Choose shops and venues with good recent reviews - read newer comments (last weeks/months). Established places in the centre usually focus on quality and service.
If you want handicrafts, head to makers’ markets or trusted craft galleries - creators there often provide authenticity certificates and explain materials and production. When buying in the Cloth Hall, pay attention to official museum shops - although sometimes pricier, they sell original items.
Examples of well-reviewed gastronomic spots and cafes around the Market are typically long-established venues with a steady reputation; check current reviews and menus online before visiting.
Can I refuse to pay if the bill is inflated? - First try to resolve the issue with the staff. If you cannot reach an agreement, take photos, keep the receipt and file a complaint with the inspection. Don’t leave without clarification, because it will be harder to prove the dispute later.
Is tipping mandatory? - Tipping in Poland is voluntary. Sometimes a venue adds a service charge - it should be stated in the menu. If an extra charge wasn’t announced beforehand, you may object.
What if the waiter gives only a “waiter’s check”? - Ask for a fiscal receipt. Lack of a fiscal receipt is a reason to report the matter to the appropriate authorities.
Consider buying souvenirs a little away from the Market - Floriańska Street and surrounding areas have trinkets too, and a short walk can give a better price-quality ratio.
Ask staff for recommended local dishes - in reputable places a regional portion often offers good value and quality. Venues that invest in ingredients and have regular customers are less likely to use “horror receipt” practices.
If you plan larger purchases (for example several dozen souvenirs), negotiate a price for multiple items or ask for a discount. In some shops you can get about 10–20% off for larger orders.
Many inspected gastronomic venues were found by authorities to have irregularities - this shows the problem is sometimes systemic in parts of the industry.
A fiscal receipt is not just a "document" - it is a tool for protecting your consumer rights. By keeping the receipt you give yourself the possibility to act if a dispute arises.
Not everything expensive around the Market is a scam - you often pay for location and atmosphere. If you want cheaper options, walk a few hundred metres away from the Market and prices usually drop significantly.
Situation: you receive a bill with an extra item you didn’t order. Reaction: calmly ask the staff to correct it, show the menu and the receipt, take photos of the documents; if they refuse - immediately demand the company details and file a complaint later.
Situation: a stall at a fair refuses to issue a receipt for a more expensive purchase. Reaction: ask for a receipt and the company’s details; if you hear excuses, consider walking away or choosing another stall.
Situation: a waiter asks for cash because “the terminal doesn’t work”. Reaction: still ask for a fiscal receipt even if you pay cash; if the terminal truly doesn’t work, note the venue name and time - lack of a receipt is an alarm sign.
If you prefer a stress-free visit to Kraków and want support with reservations, choosing venues or buying tickets - you can contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Małgorzata can help plan your route, recommend the best places and authentic craft shops, and assist with logistics, transport and bookings on your behalf.
You can find contact details and more information on Małgorzata’s site - she offers guided tours of museums and quieter corners of the city and can help you avoid tourist traps.
If you found this article helpful - share it with friends or on social media. Helping each other avoid unpleasant surprises keeps Kraków friendly and fair for all visitors.
